Warriors' Marques named 2021-22 Lea Plarski Award winner
Charlotte, NC – In a short amount of time, Pablo Marques left an impact on Indian Hills (IA) and the men's soccer program, embodying what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete at the highest level. On campus, Marques volunteered time as a resident advisor, assisting students who live on campus with day-to-day challenges, was a member of the NJCAA Student-Athlete Council (SAC), a leadership national council that equips student-athletes with tools for regional and national involvement that can be used at the institutional level as well, and was also named the Heart of Service Award recipient at the Indian Hills Athletic Choice Awards, an award that recognizes a team or individual that contributes to the college campus and surrounding communities in the Indian Hills Community College region.
Marques maintained a 3.875 GPA in his Associate of Arts degree and received Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) All-Academic honors each term at Indian Hills and has also been nominated for NJCAA All-Academic Team honors.
On the field, posted a Warriors-leading 13 goals on the season. By many, the forward is described as hardworking, humble, and a natural role model, attacking any challenges head-on. Marques worked incredibly hard to lead his team positively during a difficult rebuilding season and played out of his natural position on many occasions to support the team to the best of his ability.
The work and accomplishments set forth by the Brazil native have set the bar for his teammates and fellow student-athletes. Marques has committed to continuing his academic and athletic career at the University of Tampa in the fall.
"On the field, his ability, statistics, and accolades speak for themselves but his real mark, which will leave a much longer-lasting legacy, has always been made off the field; in the locker room, in the classroom, supporting other athletes, helping fellow international students and inspiring his coaches," said Kevin Nuss, Indian Hills Men's Soccer head coach.
Marques will be honored during the NJCAA Foundation Awards event, held on Friday, June 10 at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown at 6:30 PM ET. The event will recognize the NJCAA Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year, the Lea Plarski Award winner, the Champion Award winners, and the Difference Maker Award winner, in addition to the 2022 class of the NJCAA Hall of Fame and the 2021 inaugural NJCAA Hall of Fame class.
To learn more regarding the NJCAA Foundation Awards event, visit: NJCAA Foundation Awards
To learn more about past Lea Plarski Award recipients, visit: Lea Plarski Award Winners
About the Lea Plarski Award
The NJCAA's Lea Plarski Award is handed out annually in the name of former NJCAA President Lea Plarski as recognition of her tremendous service to the NJCAA and two-year college athletics. The former director of athletics at St. Louis Community College/Florissant Valley, Plarski helped to establish the Women's Division of the NJCAA in 1975. She served as Vice-President for Women from 1975-1990 when she made NJCAA history as the first female ever elected to the office of President, a position she held from 1990-1996. In honor of her numerous accomplishments, as well as her undeniable dedication to the student-athlete, the NJCAA Lea Plarski Award was created. Since 1995, the award has been presented to an NJCAA student-athlete who exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, community service, academic excellence, athletic ability, and achievements – qualities that were the cornerstones of the Plarski "era".
